Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel

by Paul M. Gould, Travis Dickinson, Keith Loftin

In an age of skepticism and disenchantment, people long for something that satisfies our mind’s search for truth and our heart’s desire for beauty and meaning. Stand Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel argues that the gospel satisfies both of these needs. It is true and rational, but it is also inherently attractive and provides meaning and purpose. In short, the gospel is brilliant. It is brilliant, in one sense, because of the broad variety of evidences for its truth. But it is also brilliant given its beauty, goodness and the meaningful life it offers. The book provides up to date responses to questions about the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, Jesus and the resurrection, and the problem of evil. It also treats unique topics such as understanding truth, knowledge and faith, the claims of alternate faiths, religious disagreement, etc. Each chapter attempts to connect these considerations with the gospel so that we may stand firm in our faith.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intro level summary of Christian apologetics which invites even a hostile or doubting audience to taste and see the goodness of truth. I appreciated the classical flavor of the authors' approach-the bibliography is impressive!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great edition in the field of apologetics. Gould, Dickinson, and Loftin are professors at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They have been putting together an annual apologetics conference at the Seminary for several years also called “Stand Firm” in which they have had some keynote speakers including Timothy McGrew, John Mark Reynolds, J. P. Moreland and J. Warner Wallace. I have also, had the privilege of occasionally speaking at the conference.

Contents of the book include the following: Truth, God, Miracles, Reliability of the New Testament, Jesus, the Resurrection, the Problem of Evil, World Religions, and New Religious Movements. At the end of each chapter they provide a series of assignments for the reader to internalize and apply the content communicated in that chapter as well as a short suggested reading list for the reader to dig further.

A quick description of the book: “In an age of skepticism and disenchantment, people long for something that satisfies our mindÕs search for truth and our heartÕs desire for beauty and meaning. Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel argues that the gospel satisfies both of these needs. It is true and rational, but it is also inherently attractive and provides meaning and purpose. In short, the gospel is brilliant. It is brilliant, in one sense, because of the broad variety of evidences for its truth. But it is also brilliant given its beauty, goodness and the meaningful life it offers. The book provides up to date responses to questions about the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, Jesus and the resurrection, and the problem of evil. It also treats unique topics such as understanding truth, knowledge and faith, the claims of alternate faiths, religious disagreement, etc. Each chapter attempts to connect these considerations with the gospel so that we may stand firm in our faith.”

Perfect for churches, small groups, students, and adults. They do not assume anything of the reader in order to understand the content, but delve deeply with the space they have into each topic. Would recommend soundly.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

really great book!

Read it for LU APOL 500 course... would definitely recommend it.

The E-book has videos too and they really reinforce the content.

I think it is a very comprehensive and contemporary collection of arguments in defense of Christianity, and I feel more equipped to engage the new atheists and those who follow after other world religions after having read this book.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the two textbooks for I had for my MDiv Apologetics class. There was nothing really wrong with it, but between the two books, I liked the other one much more. Gould, Dickson, and Loftin didn't really go very deep and this resulting book is fairly forgettable. I would recommend this book more for an undergrad introductory level.

[Nathan Bozeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be my new number 1 recommendation to anyone who desires to get into apologetics. This book covers a variety of topics - arguments for God, the reliability of the New Testament, the deity of Christ, the problem of evil, and others.

If you want to begin studying a defense of the Christian faith, this is the book for you!

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid introduction to apologetics. Not super deep but super solid. A great way to get the basics in a non-academic setting, this is meant in no way to disparage this book but to encourage everyone to go get this book. Highly recommended

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and well-written. Also appreciated because it cautions against "shotgun style" apologetics (that is: cheap, easy answers to all questions). I'd like to own a copy of this one and refer to it as needed.

[Adam_swizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the best introductory texts on Christian apologetics I have read! I would highly recommend!

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to anyone wishing to get a systematic understanding of apologetics.

[Moose · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

[Caleb Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple in the best way possible.